Nothing screams ‘holidays’ like long lines at your favorite beauty counter, only to find the free gift with purchase has “just run out”.  This year Clinique is curing the retail blues with a huge offer to its dedicated clients. They call it Clinique’s ’10 Days of Happiness’. Running from December 2nd through the 11th, Clinique is giving away a different item with purchase-free-everyday. And everything is available online, so you don’t have to battle it out at the beauty counter.

We love Clinique products, and even the freebies include makeup shades you’ll actually want to wear.  If you’re looking for a purchase to make in the first place, try the Black Tie Violet collection, a holiday set of makeup in a range of purple hues. From plums to lilacs, the colors are shimmery and work well on most skin tones (and on trend, purple has been all over famous faces this fall).

Our personal pick for the best day to bonus shop? December 8th, when any purchase over $40 will score free standard shipping, and mini sizes of Clinique Happy, Dramatically Different Moisturizer (great for dry winter skin), and All About Eyes. Happy, moisturized and bright eyed – all 3 oz. or less? Sounds like the makings of the perfect holiday travel kit.

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While we got some amazing deals at last year’s sales, the deep discounts are a double edged sword. Retailers offer more sales and discounts to stimulate sales, shoppers wait to purchase in hopes of further discounts. And while 70% off is too good to ignore, for the general health of the industry we’ll try to lower discount expectations this year. Interesting to watch will be sites like Gilt, Rue La La and Hautelook, who already offer discounts up to 50% off on designer items every day. Will they take the bargain hunting dollars that department stores and brands are afraid to court?

Where will you be doing your holiday shopping?

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